The Cayman Islands Women’s National team returns to competitive play against Southwestern Oklahoma State University in a two match friendly series.

The will be the second two match set against a collegiate soccer team this year following matches against the University of New Haven Chargers in March.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University competes in Division Two of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Preparation for the series has been hampered by a lack of practice time caused by the unavailability of venues for the women’s national team to train.

The team has to share venues with the ongoing club championships at all divisions, which has prevented the team from gaining precious practice time.

Despite the setbacks team officials remain optimistic and urged the public to show their support.

“The team’s coaching staff continues to work towards getting the girls as best prepared as they can be,” said Director of National Team’s Renard Moxam.

“In the women’s national team programme, there exists a keen level of passion for the sport from our young ladies and the team will use these challenges as motivation to push themselves. I urge the public to support this young team as they use this test against Southwester Oklahoma State to prepare for future international matches.”

The matches against the Southwestern Oklahoma State University gives Head Coach Alan Purvis another chance to evaluate players in preparation for the Women’s Olympic qualifiers this summer.

“We have some of the overseas players starting to return home for the summer and we hope to incorporate them into these games and also work the entire squad hard over the summer in preparation for the Olympic Qualifying games”, Purvis said.

The Cayman women’s national team has been drawn to face host Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and St Lucia in the Caribbean Football Union qualifiers in August. The top team advances from the group to the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers.

“As our ladies prepare for Olympic qualifying, this will be another good test for the team, coming off the friendlies against the University of New Haven and the Guadeloupe Women’s National Team earlier this year.” said, Bruce Blake, CIFA First Vice President.

“We have a young team; however, several of the players have a lot of international experience under their belts.”
Purvis emphasized, “There is a lot of work to be done between now and then in securing venues that will allow us to prepare.”

The Cayman Islands Football Association is currently developing an artificial turf at the National Centre for Football Development. This will be the home for all national teams to prepare for international engagements.

“Having a field for national teams to prepare provides a much needed fillip to the programmes. Our players will have a place to call their own and prepare to achieve the goals that have been set out,” Moxam said.

Cayman takes on Southwestern Oklahoma State University on Thursday May 14 and Saturday May 16 at the T.E. Mcfield Sports Centre. Both matches kickoff at 7 pm.

The Association

The Cayman Islands Football Association is the governing body of football in the Cayman Islands, overseeing all National Team programs, youth development leagues, Women’s league and the Cayman Islands Men’s Premier League.